State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said, “Hard as it is, all sides need to find a way to work constructively and cooperatively together to lower tensions, reject violence, and find a path forward.”

She spoke after the Palestinian Authority formally requested membership in the International Criminal Court, the ICC, a move that could allow war crimes’ complaints to be filed against Israel.

The United States is “deeply concerned” by the Palestinian action regarding the ICC, said Ms. Psaki.

“This action,” she said, “is entirely counterproductive and does nothing to further the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a sovereign and independent state. It badly damages the atmosphere with the very people with whom they ultimately need to make peace.”

The United States continues to emphasize that the path to a two-state solution with a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel can only be achieved through direct negotiations between the two parties.

“The focus right now,” said State Department Spokesperson Psaki, “is to continue to encourage both sides and to reiterate that constructive engagement and lowering of tensions is the only way to move forward to a more peaceful environment.”